10 Things We've Learned: Parents of Children with Down Syndrome Share

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, internationally recognized as a day to celebrate individuals with three copies of the 21st chromosome. There are more than 400,000 individuals with Down syndrome in the United States alone, and their families celebrate this day and continue to make efforts to make the world a more accepting place for individuals with special needs. Joining that celebration, here are 10 things parents have learned through raising a child with Down syndrome.

"I've learned that true beauty cannot be confined to limits—not to a number on a scale, a body type or specific facial features. Physical beauty exists in every human and shines through in our uniqueness. Oh, and almond eyes? They're gorgeous."

"I've learned not to underestimate anyone—not myself, not my children, not people around me. All of those scenarios where we think 'I could never...'? Yes we could. We are all so very capable of accepting challenges. As parents, we have so many hidden reserves of strength and love. And our children? They will constantly surprise us in incredible ways."

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